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\\u201cYou can deploy the vaccine in an environment where there\\u2019s already built in trust.\\u201d

Chris Valadez (7:37-7:42)

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\\u201cOur growers [in Texas] were really in the thick of their season when we had to adjust,\\u201d says Dante Galeazzi, where Chris Valadez\\u2019s agricultural workers (in California) were just getting started on their season when the pandemic hit.\\xa0

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No one could have expected or been prepared enough for the Covid-19 outbreak this year. Even though we saw store shelves empty of toilet paper, bread, and boxed goods, in most areas around the country produce remained readily available. Our frontline workers and first responders have worked hard to ensure we remain as safe as possible, and our agricultural workers, farmers and produce industry have worked just as hard to make sure safe, fresh, healthy food has kept America fed during this time.\\xa0

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\\u201cIt is vital to maintain the food that Americans need to eat.\\u201d - Dante Galeazzi (11:16-11:20)

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As soon as the pandemic hit, Chris\\u2019s Grower-Shipper Association partnered with others in the agricultural industry and with the county government to put together a best practices guide that was made publicly available. They needed to get a baseline of safety measures out there fast that made sense for everyone on an operational level, whether it was a farmer, a transportation unit, an employee housing site, or other integral part of the produce industry operation chain. The guidelines were based on what the CDC, local and state government announced.\\xa0

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In a lot of regions where agriculture makes up one-third or more of the job market, crowded and congested personal living situations became an issue fast. Most of these areas have a lack of available and affordable housing, which disproportionately affects many people that work in agriculture. Individuals were going home to many others where the spread of the virus (or illnesses in general) was being exacerbated.\\xa0

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The agriculture industry knew they needed to remedy this fast. Free of charge to farmers and ag workers, the companies that give you your most favorite food brands offered nursing, housing and feeding to help get people out of congested environments. Individuals that contracted the virus were put in this housing (for free) for a two week quarantine period, were provided with all of their medical needs and basic necessities, to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

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These are efforts from the agricultural industry no one has talked about, or what would have happened if the people of this industry weren\\u2019t able to contain the spread of the virus within the produce supply chain. Growers and shippers were some of the first companies to immediately set up whatever they could, whether it was hand sanitizer stations, wood or plastic partitions, sanitized uniforms, shoes, and gloves, or even shower curtains to prevent the spread of Covid. There\\u2019s even packing houses who are implementing blood oxygenation tests!

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Now that we\\u2019re seeing vaccine trials go through and vaccines being given to our first responders and medical workers, it\\u2019s time to talk about who will be next in line. These people are extremely important to our society, and after others who are high risk for the virus, such as the elderly, farmers and food workers should be thought of as top priority for the vaccine. Something that\\u2019s critical in thinking about this, however, is partnering with farmers and local clinics to administer the vaccine to the agriculture population.

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\\u201cWe\\u2019ve got to get our workforce vaccinated so they can keep putting food on American\\u2019s tables.\\u201d - Dante Galeazzi (16:08-16:11)

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Dante and Chris both advocate for the use of the employer when administering vaccines to farmers and agricultural workers because those individuals already have a built-in trust with them versus government officials where they might be fearful, lack trust or have political views getting in the way of their safety (and the safety of our country). Both associations are doing what they can to advocate for agricultural workers to be next in line for the vaccine by speaking to the state and federal government.\\xa0

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What\\u2019s the risk if this doesn\\u2019t happen? If more ag workers become sick with the virus and aren\\u2019t able to work, or risk spreading it to our vital food sources, the demand for food will stay high, but the supply will decrease, meaning prices will go up. With the fragile state of our economy right now, that\\u2019s the last thing our country needs. Hopefully we continue to make progress with the virus and the agricultural industry is seen as a priority to receive vaccination next.

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How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!\\xa0
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.\\xa0

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If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!